TMCnet News
City Council Chairman Ben Sprague's population growth strategy list for Bangor [Bangor Daily News (ME)](Bangor Daily News (ME) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) A. Recruitment and Retention of Businesses and Jobs 1) Develop our technology infrastructure with a focus on expanded high-speed internet. 2) Create "how-to" guide for starting a business in Bangor. 3) Expand and promote the "Bangor Ambassador" program. [1] 4) Cooperate with regional entities on a positive Bangor brand. 5) Launch business recruitment missions beyond Maine. 6) Seek and grow connections between Bangor, Mt. Desert Island, Baxter and Moosehead regions. 7) Create a "Why Bangor" video or video series. 8) Support workforce development initiatives, especially technology training. B. Increasing support for relocation 9) Create an enhanced grant program for home rehab in CDBG- eligible neighborhoods for first-time homebuyers. [2] 10) Provide partial property-tax rebates for first time homebuyers. 11) Develop an easy-to-search list of city-owned residential properties for sale. 12) Develop orientation and welcome materials for new residents and a web-based "navigator" to help new residents learn about Bangor. 13) Develop family support team through the Ambassador program. 14) Provide a "virtual tour" of Bangor available online. 15) Provide a "virtual tour" of Bangor School Department available online. 16) Be supportive and welcoming of people "from away" and open to new ideas. C. Promote social lifestyle, cultural diversity and entertainment 17) Perform SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) of Bangor's cultural assets/efforts and present to the full Council and public with recommendations. 18) Develop a 10-year plan for Downtown Bangor, Waterfront and the Main Street Corridor, and present to the full Council and public with recommendations. 19) Maintain municipal support of the Cultural Commission. 20) Support Bangor School Department efforts to create a Fine Arts Academy. 21) Support development of food infrastructure to make Bangor local food haven. 22) Develop a "Believe in Bangor" photo and video contest, and use for community branding. 23) Increase the number and scope of outdoor art projects and visually creative elements in our community. 24) Expand system of trails and healthy walkways and other recreational activities. D. Integrating youth through linkages and engagement 25) Convene area youth summit to ask for feedback and suggestions on retaining youth. 26) Support and promote internship programs between businesses/ nonprofits and schools. 27) Develop a municipal internship program. 28) Support Bangor High School's annual "Leading Back to Bangor" event. [3] 29) Work to link University of Maine Innovation Center efforts to Bangor. 30) Encourage youth participation at City Council committee meetings. 31) Expand use of social media by City and municipal officials. 32) Support ease of transportation between university campuses and Downtown Bangor/Waterfront/Cross Center. 33) Support and enhance all local college/university connections to Bangor and the region. 34) Promote a "culture of opportunity." E. Re-Bangorization 35) Survey those who have left to understand reasons and what it might take to bring back. 36) Create video testimonials from young professionals, families to be used in marketing efforts 37) Develop specific recruitment efforts to attract former residents. 38) Speak with pride about the community and its people. [1] http://www.mobilizeeasternmaine.com/page/949-695/bangor- region-ambassador-program [2] Community Development Block Grant money is provided by the Federal Government to be distributed by municipalities for projects that promote affordable housing, anti-poverty initiatives, and infrastructure work. [3] The "Leading Back to Bangor" event is hosted at Bangor High School each spring and brings local young professionals to the school to talk about their careers and opportunities to work locally with high school juniors and seniors. (c) 2014 ProQuest Information and Learning Company; All Rights Reserved. |